Accessibility Links

Havret takes advantage as Mickelson’s driving goes off line in closing stages

Graham Spiers

July 16 2007, 1:00am, The Times

Gr?gory Havret, an erstwhile unsung Frenchman, beat Phil Mickelson on the first play-off hole of the Barclays Scottish Open yesterday to spark wild – and almost Glaswegian – scenes of celebration on the final green at Loch Lomond.

The greatest day of Havret’s career arrived after he had tied with Mickelson on 14 under par after 72 holes. The American had made a mess of the closing holes, to say nothing of the play-off hole, the 18th, where Mickelson made a bogey after driving into thick rough by the water. Havret, in contrast, secured a par and was besieged by happy playing colleagues – mainly the French contingent – who sprayed him with champagne.